Cleveland resident Dicky Howard receives his Vietnam Veteran service pin from Ms. Maria Lundquist, Veteran’s Administration (Photo: Dean Dyer/WRWH)
(Cleveland)- It was an exciting Veterans Day in White County Wednesday, with two special events held to recognize all veterans, but especially on the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, those who served during that time. First a program, hosted by the White County Honor Guard, American Legion Post 16 in Cleveland and White County Commissioners, was held at Freedom Park in Cleveland. During that ceremony 146 Vietnam vets were recognized and presented special certificates of appreciation from Governor Nathan Deal.
The keynote speaker was General Joe Jarrard who said, only a few make this country the great place it is, “Although we could stand around and discuss the many problems we have here in the United States, we are truly blessed compared to the rest of the world. And we are blessed because of the 1 percent of the population that raises their right hand and takes an oath to protect the constitution of the United States against all enemies, and for them we should all be thankful,” said Jarrard.
Wednesday night the Northeast Georgia Veterans Society held a Veterans Day dinner meeting where 43 Vietnam Veterans received certificates of appreciation from the governor. Ninth District Congressman Doug Collins was the featured speaker, he told the crowd he will continue to hold the Veterans Administration accountable for better service to veterans. The congressman said, “ I will not stop holding the VA accountable they do their mission and that is to take care of our veterans.”
Collins called on the veterans to share their story of service with the younger generation, so the vision of America is not lost. He said, “ I don’t want to be a part of the generation that looses the vision of America.”
Special recognition was given to two World War II veterans, Andy Negra and Thomas Reid, who attended the meeting.
